Contributed by Healthians Team
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive and completely safe medical imaging procedure to provide precise and detailed images of the organs and tissues inside your body.
The special scan requires energy from magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves, and a computer screen in which the images are stored and can be printed on a film for evaluation.
Large, magnetic tubes are the common shape of MRI machines. The magnetic field briefly readjusts water molecules in your body as you lie within the MRI machine.
For a successful MRI, you need to lie still. If you feel any discomfort, you can speak to the radiologist via the scanner-embedded intercom.
Due to being non-invasive and the absence of ionising radiation, the MRI is the safest medical diagnostics procedure that can provide detailed images of the abnormalities within the body.
What does an MRI scan detect?
Your doctor can evaluate your organs, tissues, and skeletal system using an MRI in a non-invasive manner. It creates detailed images of the inside of the body that help with the diagnosis of many diseases.
Additionally, the 3D images produced by the MRI scans can be taken from various angles.
An MRI scan can also take anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the size or area of the body part that needs to be scanned.
Post-scanning, the radiologist will examine the captured images and create the report for your doctor. However, if he/she determines the need for additional images, you might be asked to take the test again.
Is an MRI safe?
When the proper safety precautions are taken, an MRI scan is often a risk-free and non-invasive procedure that provides almost no danger to the person.
Though the powerful magnetic field that MRI machines produce is not dangerous to you, it could malfunction or damage the images of any implanted medical devices or metal detected through the procedure.
What are the possible side effects of an MRI scan?What are the possible side effects of an MRI scan?
There is a very slight chance that you will have an allergic reaction during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These symptoms are typically mild and are treatable with medication.
If you have an allergic reaction to radiation, a doctor will usually be there to help you right away.
What is an MRI scan for?
The most popular imaging test for the brain and spinal cord is the MRI. It’s frequently done for a diagnosis of
- Cerebral vessel aneurysms
- Issues with the inner ear and eyes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
MRI of the heart and blood vessels
MRI that focuses on the heart or blood vessels can assess:
- Size and function of the heart’s chambers
- Thickness and movement of the walls of the heart
- The extent of damage caused by heart attacks or heart disease
- Structural problems in the aorta, such as aneurysms or dissections
- Inflammation or blockages in the blood vessels
- Abnormalities of the joints brought on by repetitive or acute injuries, such as torn ligaments or cartilage
- Spinal disc disorders
- Infected bones
- Tumours in the soft tissues and bones
For women who have dense breast tissue or who may be at high risk of the disease, MRI can be used in addition to mammography to identify breast cancer.
MRI for breast
Relax before an MRI scan
There may be the possibility that you may experience anxiety or fear inside the MRI machine due to its compact structure, or you can suffer from claustrophobia. That is why it is always advised to just relax and calm your mind and body before going for an MRI.
You can do that by having some snacks, going to the restroom, closing your eyes, thinking about some amusing activities, or whatever way you like that can divert your mind and help you in staying calm and comfortable during the MRI scan.
How the MRI scan is to be performed?
During the MRI, a hospital gown or cloth without metal zippers and snaps is given to the patient. The MRI of any body part requires you to lie flat on a retractable table that goes into the tunnel-shaped scanner.
For a successful MRI, you need to lie still. If you feel any discomfort, you can speak to the radiologist via the scanner-embedded intercom.
To get better imaging of harder-to-reach areas of the body parts and their surrounding areas, a contrast dye or contrast material can be administered orally or intravenously before the scan via a vein into your arm and hand.
You’d need to rest and restrict movement after taking the dye, as it will take about 30 minutes for the dye to absorb in the system.
Post-scanning, the radiologist will examine the captured images and create the report for your doctor. However, if he/she determines the need for additional images, you might be asked to take the test again.
Things to keep in mind while going for an MRI scan
- It’s always advised to bring your medical history along with any previous scans.
- Make sure to remove any metallic objects, such as keys, jewellery, belt, wallet, etc.
- Don’t wear make-up, nail polish, or any hair products during the imaging process.
- If you have a tattoo on any part of your body, it is better to tell the doctor/radiologist before the scan so that he or she can take extra precautions during the MRI scan.
- If you have any metal device or implant in your body such as a pacemaker, please inform the doctor as this imaging test is not safe with some medical implants.
Final thoughts
Whenever you have come across the term MRI you must have felt scared and wished you never had to get it done. But there is absolutely no reason you should feel scared about it. With the right preparation and guidance from your lab, you can get your MRI done smoothly without any stress.
MRIs are one of the best technologies available to help your doctor diagnose a disease effectively. An MRI can be of huge help to your doctor to identify what is causing you a health issue and help in diagnosing accurately and prescribing the best treatment plan for you.
We hope you’ve read the complete blog carefully so that when you need to go for an MRI in future you are well-informed before you visit a lab that can further make your experience a smooth one.
